1
Exhibit 10(i)
LOAN AGREEMENT
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PRINCIPAL LOAN DATE MATURITY LOAN NO CALL COLLATERAL
15,000,000.00 09-30-1997 08-31-1999 UCC
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ACCOUNT OFFICER INITIALS
JVC
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References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the applicability of this document to any particular loan
or term.
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Borrower: RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs Lender: FirstMerit Bank, N.A.
and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc. Asset Based Lending
▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇. ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
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THIS LOAN AGREEMENT BETWEEN RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.; RAVENS, INC.; SIGNS AND
BLANKS, INC.; ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. ("BORROWER") AND FIRSTMERIT BANK, N.A.
("LENDER") IS MADE AND EXECUTED ON THE FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS. BORROWER
HAS RECEIVED PRIOR COMMERCIAL LOANS FROM LENDER OR HAS APPLIED TO LENDER FOR A
COMMERCIAL LOAN OR LOANS AND OTHER FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, INCLUDING THOSE
WHICH MAY BE DESCRIBED ON ANY EXHIBIT OR SCHEDULE ATTACHED TO THIS AGREEMENT ALL
SUCH LOANS AND FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATIONS, TOGETHER WITH ALL FUTURE LOANS AND
FINANCIAL ACCOMMODATIONS FROM LENDER TO BORROWER, ARE REFERRED TO IN THIS
AGREEMENT INDIVIDUALLY AS THE "LOAN" AND COLLECTIVELY AS THE "LOANS." BORROWER
UNDERSTANDS AND AGREES THAT: (A) IN GRANTING, RENEWING, OR EXTENDING ANY LOAN,
LENDER IS RELYING UPON BORROWER'S REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND AGREEMENTS,
AS SET FORTH IN THIS AGREEMENT; (B) THE GRANTING, RENEWING, OR EXTENDING OF ANY
LOAN BY LENDER AT ALL TIMES SHALL BE SUBJECT TO LENDER'S SOLE JUDGMENT AND
DISCRETION; AND (C) ALL SUCH LOANS SHALL BE AND SHALL REMAIN SUBJECT TO THE
FOLLOWING TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF THIS AGREEMENT.
TERM. This Agreement shall be effective as of SEPTEMBER 30, 1997, and shall
continue thereafter until all Indebtedness of Borrower to Lender has been
performed in full or until AUGUST 31, 1999, whichever is later.
DEFINITIONS. The following words shall have the following meanings when used in
this Agreement. Terms not otherwise defined in this Agreement shall have the
meanings attributed to such terms in the Uniform Commercial Code. All references
to dollar amounts shall mean amounts in lawful money of the United States of
America.
AGREEMENT. The word "Agreement" means this Loan Agreement, as this Loan
Agreement may be amended or modified from time to time, together with all
exhibits and schedules attached to this Loan Agreement from time to time.
ACCOUNT. The word "Account" means a trade account, account receivable, or
other right to payment for goods sold or services rendered owing to
Borrower (or to a third party grantor acceptable to Lender).
ACCOUNT DEBTOR. The words "Account Debtor" mean the person or entity
obligated upon an Account.
ADVANCE. The word "Advance" means a disbursement of Loan funds under this
Agreement.
BORROWER. The word "Borrower" means RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.;
Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc., The word "Borrower" also
includes, as applicable, all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower as
provided below in the paragraph tied "Subsidiaries and Affiliates."
BORROWING BASE. The words "Borrowing Base" mean as determined by Lender
from time to time the lesser of (a) $15,000,000.00; or (b) the sum of (I)
82.000% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Accounts, plus (ii) ▇▇.▇▇▇"A of
the aggregate amount of Eligible Ravens Sheet & Plate and Albex Ingot,
Billet & Scrap inventory, plus (iii) 65.000% of the aggregate amount of
Eigible Signs and Blanks Raw Material and Albex Material/Extrusions
Inventory, plus (iv) 80.000% of the aggregate amount of Eligible Ravens
Finished Goods Inventory, plus (v) 55.000% of the aggregate amount of
Eligible Signs and Blanks Finished Goods Inventory, plus (vi) 50.000% of
the aggregate amount of Eligible Ravens Raw Material Inventory with a
maximum advance of $9,000,000.00 against Inventory; minus $375,000.00 at
9/30/97, $412,500.00 at 10/31/97, $450,000.00 at 11/30/97, $37,500.00 at
12/30/97 (provided the Kent IRB 12/97 payment is made), $75,000.00 at
1/31/98, $112,500.00 at 2/28/98, $150,000.00 at 3/31/98, $187,500.00 at
4/30/98, $225,000.00 at 5/31/98, $262,500.00 at 6/30/98, $300,000.00 at
7/31/98, $337,500.00 at 8/31/98, $375,000.00 at 9/30/98, $412,500.00 at
10/31/98, $450,000.00 at 11/30/98, $37,500.00 at 12/31/98 (provided the
Kent IRB 12/98 payment is made), $75,000.00 at 1/31/99, $112,500.00 at
2/28/99, $150,000.00 at 3/31/99, $187,500.00 at 4/30/99, $225,000.00 at
5/31/99, $262,500.00 at 6/30/99, $300,000.00 at 7/31/99, and $337,500.00 at
8/31/99.
BUSINESS DAY. The words "Business Day" mean a day on which commercial banks
are open for business in the State of Ohio.
CERCLA. The word "CERCLA" means the Comprehensive Environmental Response,
Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980, as amended.
CASH FLOW. The words "Cash Flow" mean net income after taxes, and exclusive
of extraordinary gains and income, plus depreciation and amortization,
adjust for all other non-cash items affecting income.
COLLATERAL. The word "Collateral" means and includes without limitation all
property and assets granted as collateral security for a Loan, whether real
or personal property, whether granted directly or indirectly, whether
granted now or in the future, and whether granted in the form of a security
interest, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage,
chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust
receipt, lien, charge, lien or title retention contract, lease or
consignment intended as a security device, or any other security or lien
interest whatsoever, whether created by law, contract, or otherwise. The
word "Collateral" includes without limitation all collateral described
below in the section titled "COLLATERAL."
DEBT. The word "Debt" means all of Borrower's liabilities excluding
Subordinated Debt.
ELIGIBLE ACCOUNTS. The words "Eligible Accounts" mean, at any time, all of
Borrower's Accounts which contain selling terms and conditions acceptable
to Lender. The net amount of any Eligible Account against which Borrower
may borrow shall exclude all returns, discounts, credits, and offsets of
any nature. Unless otherwise agreed to by Lender in ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, Eligible
Accounts do not include:
(a) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is an officer,
an employee or agent of Borrower.
(b) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is a subsidiary
of, or affiliated with or related to Borrower or its shareholders,
officers, or directors.
(c) Accounts with respect to which goods are placed on consignment,
guaranteed sale, or other terms by reason of which the payment by the
Account Debtor may be conditional.
(d) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is not a
resident of the United States, except to the extent such Accounts are
supported by insurance, bonds or other assurances satisfactory to
Lender.
(e) Accounts with respect to which Borrower is or may become liable to
the Account Debtor for goods sold or services rendered by the Account
Debtor to Borrower.
(f) Accounts which are subject to dispute, counterclaim, or setoff.
(g) Accounts with respect to which the goods have not been shipped or
delivered, or the services have not been rendered, to the Account of
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09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 2
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Debtor.
(h) Accounts with respect to which Lender, in its sole discretion,
deems the creditworthiness or financial condition of the Account
Debtor to be unsatisfactory.
(i) Accounts of any Account Debtor who has filed or has had filed
against it a petition in bankruptcy or an application for relief under
any provision of any state or federal bankruptcy, insolvency, or
debtor-in-relief acts; or who has had appointed a trustee, custodian,
or receiver for the assets of such Account Debtor; or who has made an
assignment for the benefit of creditors or has become insolvent or
falls generally to pay its debts (including its payrolls) as such
debts become due.
(j) Accounts with respect to which the Account Debtor is the United
States government or any department or agency of the United States.
(k) Accounts which have not been paid in full within 90 days from the
invoice date.
(l) Accounts having 50% or more of their total balance outstanding
more than 90 days from invoice date.
ELIGIBLE INVENTORY. The words "Eligible Inventory" mean, at any time, all
of Borrower's Inventory as defined below except:
(a) Inventory which is not owned by Borrower free and clear of all
security interests, liens, encumbrances, and claims of third parties.
(b) Inventory which Lender, in its sole discretion, deems to be
obsolete, unsalable, damaged, defective, or unfit for further
processing.
ERISA. The word "ERISA" means the Employee Retirement Income Security Act
of 1974, as amended.
EVENT OF DEFAULT. The words "Event of Default" mean and include without
limitation any of the Events of Default set forth below in the section
titled "EVENTS OF DEFAULT."
EXPIRATION DATE. The words "Expiration Date" mean the earlier of August 31,
1999 or the date of termination of Lender's commitment to lend under this
Agreement.
GRANTOR. The word "Grantor" means and includes without limitation each and
all of the persons or entities granting a Security Interest in any
Collateral for the Indebtedness, including without limitation all Borrowers
granting such a Security Interest.
GUARANTOR. The word "Guarantor" means and includes without limitation each
and all of the guarantors, sureties, and accommodation parties in
connection with any Indebtedness.
INDEBTEDNESS. The word "Indebtedness" means and includes without limitation
all Loans, together with all other obligations, debts and liabilities of
Borrower to Lender, or any one or more of them, as well as all claims by
Lender against Borrower, or any one or more of them; whether now or
hereafter existing, voluntary or involuntary, due or not due, absolute or
contingent liquidated or unliquidated; whether Borrower may be liable
individually or jointly with others; whether Borrower may be obligated as a
guarantor, surety, or otherwise; whether recovery upon such Indebtedness
may be or hereafter may become barred by any statute of limitations; and
whether such Indebtedness may be or hereafter may become otherwise
unenforceable.
INVENTORY. The word "Inventory" means all of Borrower's raw materials, work
in process, finished goods, merchandise, parts and supplies, of every kind
and description, and goods held for sale or lease or furnished under
contracts of service in which Borrower now has or hereafter acquires any
right, whether held by Borrower or others, and all documents of title,
warehouse receipts, bills of lading, and all other documents of every type
covering all or any part of the foregoing. Inventory includes inventory
temporarily out of Borrower's custody or possession and all returns on
Accounts.
LENDER. The word "Lender" means FirstMerit Bank, N.A., its successors and
assigns.
LINE OF CREDIT. The words "Line of Credit" mean the credit facility
described in the Section titled "LINE OF CREDIT" below.
LIQUID ASSETS. The words "Liquid Assets" mean Borrower's cash on hand plus
Borrower's readily marketable securities.
LOAN. The word "Loan" or "Loans" means and includes without limitation any
and all commercial loans and financial accommodations from Lender to
Borrower, whether now or hereafter existing, and however evidenced,
including without limitation those loans and financial accommodations
described herein or described on any exhibit or schedule attached to this
Agreement from time to time.
NOTE. The word "Note" means and includes without limitation Borrower's
promissory note or notes, if any, evidencing Borrower's Loan obligations in
favor of Lender, as well as any substitute, replacement or refinancing note
or notes therefor.
PERMITTED LIENS. The words "Permitted Liens" mean: (a) liens and security
interests securing Indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender; (b) liens for
taxes, assessments, or similar charges either not yet due or being
contested in good faith; (c) liens of materialmen, mechanics, warehousemen,
or carriers, or other like liens arising in the ordinary course of business
and securing obligations which are not yet delinquent; (d) purchase money
liens or purchase money security interests upon or in any property acquired
or held by Borrower in the ordinary course of business to secure
indebtedness outstanding on the date of this Agreement or permitted to be
incurred under the paragraph of this Agreement titled "Indebtedness and
Liens"; (e) liens and security interests which, as of the date of this
Agreement, have been disclosed to and approved by the Lender in writing;
and (f) those liens and security interests which in the aggregate
constitute an immaterial and insignificant monetary amount with respect to
the net value of Borrower's assets.
RELATED DOCUMENTS. The words "Related Documents" mean and include without
limitation all promissory notes, credit agreements, loan agreements,
environmental agreements, guaranties, security agreements, mortgages, deeds
of trust, and all other instruments, agreements and documents, whether now
or hereafter existing, executed in connection with the Indebtedness.
SECURITY AGREEMENT. The words "Security Agreement" mean and include without
limitation any agreements, promises, covenants, arrangements,
understandings or other agreements, whether created by law, contract, or
otherwise, evidencing, governing, representing, or creating a Security
Interest.
SECURITY INTEREST. The words "Security Interest" mean and include without
limitation any type of collateral security, whether in the form of a lien,
charge, mortgage, deed of trust, assignment, pledge, chattel mortgage,
chattel trust, factor's lien, equipment trust, conditional sale, trust
receipt, lien or title retention contract, lease or consignment intended as
a security device, or any other security or lien interest whatsoever,
whether created by law, contract, or otherwise.
▇▇▇▇. The word "▇▇▇▇" means the Superfund Amendments and Reauthorization
Act of 1986 as now or hereafter amended.
SUBORDINATED DEBT. The words "Subordinated Debt" mean indebtedness and
liabilities of Borrower which have been subordinated by written agreement
to indebtedness owed by Borrower to Lender in form and substance acceptable
to Lender.
TANGIBLE NET WORTH. The words "Tangible Net Worth" mean Borrower's total
assets excluding all intangible assets (i.e., goodwill, trademarks,
patents, copyrights, organizational expenses, and similar intangible items,
but including leaseholds and leasehold improvements) less total Debt.
WORKING CAPITAL. The words "Working Capital" mean Borrower's current
assets, excluding prepaid expenses, less Borrower's current liabilities.
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09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 3
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LINE OF CREDIT. Lender agrees to make Advances to Borrower from time to time
from the date of this Agreement to the Expiration Date, provided the aggregate
amount of such Advances outstanding at any time does not exceed the Borrowing
Base. Within the foregoing limits, Borrower may borrow, partially or wholly
prepay, and reborrow under this Agreement as follows.
CONDITIONS PRECEDENT TO EACH ADVANCE. Lender's obligation to make any
Advance to or for the account of Borrower under this Agreement is subject
to the following conditions precedent, with all documents, instruments,
opinions, reports, and other items required under this Agreement to be in
form and substance satisfactory to Lender:
(a) Lender shall have received evidence that this Agreement and all
Related Documents have been duly authorized, executed, and delivered
by Borrower to Lender.
(b) Lender shall have received such opinions of counsel, supplemental
opinions, and documents as Lender may request.
(c) The security interests in the Collateral shall have been duly
authorized, created, and perfected with first lien priority and shall
be in full force and effect.
(d) All guaranties required by Lender for the Line of Credit shall
have been executed by each Guarantor, delivered to Lender, and be in
full force and effect.
(e) Lender, at its option and for its sole benefit, shall have
conducted an audit of Borrower's Accounts, Inventory, books, records,
and operations, and Lender shall be satisfied as to their condition.
(f) Borrower shall have paid to Lender all fees, costs, and expenses
specified in this Agreement and the Related Documents as are then due
and payable, including without limitation the following loan fees: A
$7,500.00 CLOSING FEE AND A $1,400.00 QUARTERLY SERVICING FEE FOR
RAVENS, INC., A $1,750.00 QUARTERLY SERVICING FEE FOR ALBEX ALUMINUM,
INC. AND A $350.00 QUARTERLY SERVICING FEE FOR SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.,
ALL DUE AT 10/1/97, AND QUARTERLY THEREAFTER.
(g) There shall not exist at the time of any Advance a condition which
would constitute an Event of Default under this Agreement, and
Borrower shall have delivered to Lender the compliance certificate
called for in the paragraph below titled "Compliance Certificate."
MAKING LOAN ADVANCES. Advances under the Line of Credit may be requested
orally by authorized persons. Lender may, but need not, require that all
oral requests be confirmed in writing. Each Advance shall be conclusively
deemed to have been made at the request of and for the benefit of Borrower
(a) when credited to any deposit account of Borrower maintained with Lender
or (b) when advanced in accordance with the instructions of an authorized
person. Lender, at its option, may set a cutoff time, after which all
requests for Advances will be treated as having been requested on the next
succeeding Business Day.
MANDATORY LOAN REPAYMENTS. If at any time the aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding Advances shall exceed the applicable Borrowing Base,
Borrower, immediately upon written or oral notice from Lender, shall pay to
Lender an amount equal to the difference between the outstanding principal
balance of the Advances and the Borrowing Base. On the Expiration Date,
Borrower shall pay to Lender in full the aggregate unpaid principal amount
of all Advances then outstanding and all accrued unpaid interest, together
with all other applicable fees, costs and charges, if any, not yet paid.
LOAN ACCOUNT. Lender shall maintain on its books a record of account in
which Lender shall make entries for each Advance and such other debits and
credits as shall be appropriate in connection with the credit facility.
Lender shall provide Borrower with periodic statements of Borrower's
account, which statements shall be considered to be correct and
conclusively binding on Borrower unless Borrower notifies Lender to the
contrary within thirty (30) days after Borrower's receipt of any such
statement which Borrower deems to be incorrect.
COLLATERAL. To secure payment of the Line of Credit and performance of all other
Loans, obligations and duties owed by Borrower to Lender, Borrower (and others,
if required) shall grant to Lender Security Interests in such property and
assets as Lender may require (the "Collateral"), including without limitation
Borrower's present and future Accounts, general intangibles, and Inventory.
Lender's Security Interests in the Collateral shall be continuing liens and
shall include the proceeds and products of the Collateral, including without
limitation the proceeds of any insurance. With respect to the Collateral,
Borrower agrees and represents and warrants to Lender:
PERFECTION OF SECURITY INTERESTS. Borrower agrees to execute such financing
statements and to take whatever other actions are requested by Lender to
perfect and continue Lender's Security Interests in the Collateral. Upon
request of Lender, Borrower will deliver to Lender any and all of the
documents evidencing or constituting the Collateral, and Borrower will note
Lender's interest upon any and all chattel paper if not delivered to Lender
for possession by Lender. Contemporaneous with the execution of this
Agreement, Borrower will execute one or more UCC financing statements and
any similar statements as may be required by applicable law, and will file
such financing statements and all such similar statements in the
appropriate location or locations. Borrower hereby appoints Lender as its
irrevocable attorney-in-fact for the purpose of executing any documents
necessary to perfect or to continue any Security Interest. Lender may at
any time, and without further authorization from Borrower, file a carbon,
photograph, facsimile, or other reproduction of any financing statement for
use as a financing statement Borrower will reimburse Lender for all
expenses for the perfection, termination, and the continuation of the
perfection of Lender's security interest in the Collateral. Borrower
promptly will notify Lender of any change in Borrower's name including any
change to the assumed business names of Borrower. Borrower also promptly
will notify Lender of any change in Borrower's Social Security Number or
Employer Identification Number. Borrower further agrees to notify Lender in
writing prior to any change in address or location of Borrower's principal
governance office or should Borrower merge or consolidate with any other
entity.
COLLATERAL RECORDS. Borrower does now, and at all times hereafter shall,
keep correct and accurate records of the Collateral, all of which records
shall be available to Lender or Lender's representative upon demand for
inspection and copying at any reasonable time. With respect to the
Accounts, Borrower agrees to keep and maintain such records as Lender may
require, including without limitation information concerning Eligible
Accounts and Account balances and agings. With respect to the Inventory.
Borrower agrees to keep and maintain such records as Lender may require,
including without limitation information concerning Eligible Inventory and
records itemizing and describing the kind, type, quality, and quantity of
Inventory, Borrower's Inventory costs and selling prices, and the dally
withdrawals and additions to Inventory.
COLLATERAL SCHEDULES. Concurrently with the execution and delivery of this
Agreement. Borrower shall execute and deliver to Lender schedules of
Accounts and Inventory and Eligible Accounts and Eligible Inventory, in
form and substance satisfactory to the Lender. Thereafter and at such
frequency as Lender shall require, Borrower shall execute and deliver to
Lender such supplemental schedules of Eligible Accounts and Eligible
Inventory and such other matters and information relating to the Accounts
and Inventory as Lender may request.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING ACCOUNTS. With respect to the
Accounts, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender: (a) Each Account
represented by Borrower to be an Eligible Account for purposes of this
Agreement conforms to the requirements of the definition of an Eligible
Account; (b) All Account information listed on schedules delivered to
Lender will be true and correct, subject to immaterial variance; and (c)
Lender, its assigns, or agents shall have the right at any time and at
Borrower's expense to inspect, examine, and audit Borrower's records and to
confirm with Account Debtors the accuracy of such Accounts.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES CONCERNING INVENTORY. With respect to the
Inventory, Borrower represents and warrants to Lender: (a) All Inventory
represented by Borrower to be Eligible Inventory for purposes of this
Agreement conforms to the requirements of the definition of Eligible
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Inventory; (b) All Inventory values listed on schedules delivered to Lender
will be true and correct, subject to immaterial variance; (c) The value of
the inventory will be determined on a consistent accounting basis; (d)
Except for trailers or as agreed to the contrary by Lender in writing, all
Eligible Inventory is now and at all times hereafter will be in Borrower's
physical possession and shall not be held by others on consignment, sale on
approval, or sale or return; (e) Except as reflected in the Inventory
schedules delivered to Lender, all Eligible inventory is now and at all
times hereafter will be of good and merchantable qualify, free from
defects; (f) Eligible inventory is not now and will not at any time
hereafter be stored with a bailee, warehouseman, or similar party without
Lender's prior written consent, and, in such event, Borrower will
concurrently at the time of bailment cause any such bailee, warehouseman,
or similar party to issue and deliver to Lender, in form acceptable to
Lender, warehouse receipts in Lender's name evidencing the storage of
Inventory; and (g) Lender, its assigns, or agents shall have the right at
any time and at Borrower's expense to inspect and examine the inventory and
to check and test the same as to quality, quantity, value, and condition.
REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower represents and warrants to Lender, as
of the date of this Agreement, as of the date of each disbursement of Loan
proceeds, as of the date of any renewal, extension or modification of any Loan,
and at all times any Indebtedness exists:
ORGANIZATION. Borrower is a corporation which is duly organized, validly
existing, and in good standing under the laws of the State of Delaware and
is validly existing and in good standing in all states in which Borrower is
doing business. Borrower has the full power and authority to own its
properties and to transact the businesses in which it is presently engaged
or presently proposes to engage. Borrower also is duly qualified as a
foreign corporation and is in good standing in all states in which the
failure to so qualify would have a material adverse effect on its
businesses or financial condition.
AUTHORIZATION. The execution, delivery, and performance of this Agreement
and all Related Documents by Borrower, to the extent to be executed,
delivered or performed by Borrower, have been duly authorized by all
necessary action by Borrower; do not require the consent or approval of any
other person, regulatory authority or governmental body; and do not
conflict with, result in a violation of, or constitute a default under (a)
any provision of its articles of incorporation or organization, or bylaws
or code of regulations, or any agreement or other instrument binding upon
Borrower or (b) any law, governmental regulation, court decree, or order
applicable to Borrower.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION. Each financial statement of Borrower supplied to
Lender truly and completely disclosed Borrower's financial condition as of
the date of the statement, and there has been no material adverse change in
Borrower's financial condition subsequent to the date of the most recent
financial statement supplied to Lender. Borrower has no material contingent
obligations except as disclosed in such financial statements.
LEGAL EFFECT. This Agreement constitutes, and any instrument or agreement
required hereunder to be given by Borrower when delivered will constitute,
legal, valid and binding obligations of Borrower enforceable against
Borrower in accordance with their respective terms.
PROPERTIES. Except for Permitted Liens, Borrower owns and has good title to
all of Borrower's properties free and clear of all Security Interests, and
has not executed any security documents or financing statements relating to
such properties. All of Borrower's properties are titled in Borrower's
legal name, and Borrower has not used, or filed a financing statement
under, any other name for at least the last five (5) years.
HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES. The terms "hazardous waste," "hazardous substance,"
"disposal," "release," and "threatened release," as used in this Agreement,
shall have the same meanings as set forth in the "CERCLA," "▇▇▇▇," the
Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, 49 U.S.C. Section 1801, et seq.,
the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act, 42 U.S.C. Section 6901, et
seq., or other applicable state or Federal laws, rules, or regulations
adopted pursuant to any of the foregoing. Except as disclosed to and
acknowledged by Lender in writing, Borrower represents and warrants that:
(a) During the period of Borrower's ownership of the properties, there has
been no use, generation, manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release
or threatened release of any hazardous waste or substance by any person on,
under, about or from any of the properties. (b) Borrower has no knowledge
of, or reason to believe that there has been (i) any use, generation,
manufacture, storage, treatment, disposal, release, or threatened release
of any hazardous waste or substance on, under, about or from the properties
by any prior owners or occupants of any of the properties, or (ii) any
actual or threatened litigation or claims of any kind by any person
relating to such matters. (c) Neither Borrower nor any tenant, contractor,
agent or other authorized user of any of the properties shall use,
generate, manufacture, store, treat, dispose of, or release any hazardous
waste or substance on, under, about or from any of the properties; and any
such activity shall be conducted in compliance with all applicable federal,
state, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances, including without
limitation those laws, regulations and ordinances described above. Borrower
authorizes Lender and its agents to enter upon the properties to make such
inspections and tests as Lender may deem appropriate to determine
compliance of the properties with this section of the Agreement Any
inspections or tests made by Lender shall be at Borrower's expense and for
Lender's purposes only and shall not be construed to create any
responsibility or liability on the part of Lender to Borrower or to any
other person. The representations and warranties contained herein are based
on Borrower's due diligence in investigating the properties for hazardous
waste and hazardous substances. Borrower hereby (a) releases and waives any
future claims against Lender for indemnity or contribution in the event
Borrower becomes liable for cleanup or other costs under any such laws, and
(b) agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Lender against any and all
claims, losses, liabilities, damages, penalties, and expenses which Lender
may directly or indirectly sustain or suffer resulting from a breach of
this section of the Agreement or as a consequence of any use, generation,
manufacture, storage, disposal, release or threatened release occurring
prior to Borrower's ownership or interest in the properties, whether or not
the same was or should have been known to Borrower. The provisions of this
section of the Agreement, including the obligation to indemnify, shall
survive the payment of the Indebtedness and the termination or expiration
of this Agreement and shall not be affected by Lender's acquisition of any
interest in any of the properties, whether by foreclosure or otherwise.
LITIGATION AND CLAIMS. No litigation, claim, investigation, administrative
proceeding or similar action (including those for unpaid taxes) against
Borrower is pending or threatened, and no other event has occurred which
may materially adversely affect Borrower's financial condition or
properties, other than litigation, claims, or other events, if any, that
have been disclosed to and acknowledged by Lender in writing.
TAXES. To the best of Borrower's knowledge, all tax returns and reports of
Borrower that are or were required to be filed, have been filed, and all
taxes, assessments and other governmental charges have been paid in full,
except those presently being or to be contested by Borrower in good faith
in the ordinary course of business and for which adequate reserves have
been provided.
LIEN PRIORITY. Unless otherwise previously disclosed to Lender in writing,
Borrower has not entered into or granted any Security Agreements, or
permitted the filing or attachment of any Security Interests on or
affecting any of the Collateral directly or indirectly securing repayment
of Borrower's Loan and Note, that would be prior or that may in any way be
superior to Lender's Security Interests and rights in and to such
Collateral.
BINDING EFFECT. This Agreement, the Note, all Security Agreements directly
or indirectly securing repayment of Borrower's Loan and Note and all of the
Related Documents are binding upon Borrower as well as upon Borrower's
successors, representatives and assigns, and are legally enforceable in
accordance with their respective terms.
COMMERCIAL PURPOSES. Borrower intends to use the Loan proceeds solely for
business or commercial related purposes.
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS. Each employee benefit plan as to which Borrower may
have any liability complies in all material respects with all applicable
requirements of law and regulations, and (i) no Reportable Event nor
Prohibited Transaction (as defined in ERISA) has occurred with respect to
any such plan, (ii) Borrower has not withdrawn from any such plan or
initiated steps to do so, (iii) no steps have been taken to terminate any
such plan, and (iv) there are no unfunded liabilities other than those
previously disclosed to Lender in writing.
LOCATION OF BORROWER'S OFFICES AND RECORDS. Borrower's place of business,
or Borrower's Chief executive office, it Borrower has more than one
5
09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 5
LOAN NO (CONTINUED)
================================================================================
place of business, is located at ▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇., ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇.
Unless Borrower has designated otherwise in writing this location is also
the office or offices where Borrower keeps its records concerning the
Collateral.
INFORMATION. All information heretofore or contemporaneously herewith
furnished by Borrower to Lender for the purposes of or in connection with
this Agreement or any transaction contemplated hereby is, and all
information hereafter furnished by or on behalf of Borrower to Lender will
be, true and accurate in every material respect on the date as of which
such information is dated or certified; and none of such information is or
will be incomplete by omitting to state any material fact necessary to make
such information not misleading.
SURVIVAL OF REPRESENTATIONS AND WARRANTIES. Borrower understands and agrees
that Lender, without independent investigation, is relying upon the above
representations and warranties in extending Loan Advances to Borrower.
Borrower further agrees that the foregoing representations and warranties
shall be continuing in nature and shall remain in full force and effect
until such time as Borrower's Indebtedness shall be paid in full, or until
this Agreement shall be terminated in the manner provided above, whichever
is the last to occur.
AFFIRMATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that,
while this Agreement is In effect, Borrower will:
LITIGATION. Promptly inform Lender in writing of (a) all material adverse
changes in Borrower's financial condition, and (b) all existing and all
threatened litigation, claims, investigations, administrative proceedings
or similar actions affecting Borrower or any Guarantor which could
materially affect the financial condition of Borrower or the financial
condition of any Guarantor.
FINANCIAL RECORDS. Maintain its books and records in accordance with
generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis,
and permit Lender to examine and audit Borrower's books and records at all
reasonable times.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS. Furnish Lender with, as soon as available, but in no
event later than ninety (90) days after the end of each fiscal year,
Borrower's consolidated balance sheet and income statement for the year
ended, audited by a certified public accountant satisfactory to Lender,
and, as soon as available, but in no event later than thirty (30) days
after the end of each month, Borrower's consolidated balance sheet and
profit and loss statement for the period ended, prepared and certified as
correct to the best knowledge and belief by Borrower's chief financial
officer or other officer or person acceptable to Lender. All financial
reports required to be provided under this Agreement shall be prepared in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, applied on a
consistent basis, and certified by Borrower as being true and correct.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. Furnish such additional information and statements,
lists of assets and liabilities aging of receivables and payables,
inventory schedules, budgets, forecasts, tax returns and other reports with
respect to Borrower's financial condition and business operations as Lender
may request from time to time.
FINANCIAL COVENANTS AND RATIOS. Comply with the following covenants and
ratios:
TANGIBLE NET WORTH. Maintain a minimum consolidated tangible net worth
of not less that $10,300,000.00 including Subordinated Debt due from
Albex Aluminum, Inc. to ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ and Signs and Blanks, Inc. to ▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ & Company. This covenant is to be tested quarterly.
CASH FLOW REQUIREMENTS. Maintain Cash Flow at not less than the
following level: 1.2 TIMES THE CONSOLIDATED SUM OF CURRENT MATURITIES
OF LONG-TERM DEBT PAID, PLUS DIVIDENDS, PLUS CAPITAL EXPENDITURES NOT
FUNDED BY TERM DEBT OR UNDER THE KENT IRB. THIS COVENANT IS TO BE
TESTED QUARTERLY USING THE ACCUMULATED TOTAL OF THE PREVIOUS FOUR
QUARTERS, EXCEPT FOR ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC. AND SIGNS AND BLANKS
QUARTERS, THEREAFTER. Except as provided above, all computations made
to determine compliance with the requirements contained in this Inc.,
one quarter shall be used at September 30, 1997, two quarters at
December ,31, 1997, three quarters at March 31, 1998 and four
paragraph shall be made in accordance with generally accepted
accounting principles, applied on a consistent basis, and certified by
Borrower as being true and correct.
INSURANCE. Maintain fire and other risk insurance, public liability
insurance, and such other insurance as Lender may require with respect
to Borrower's properties and operations, in form, amounts, coverages
and with insurance companies reasonably acceptable to Lender.
Borrower, upon request of Lender, will deliver to Lender from time to
time the policies or certificates of insurance in form satisfactory to
Lender, including stipulations that coverages will not be cancelled or
diminished without at least ten (10) days' prior written notice to
Lender. Each insurance policy also shall include an endorsement
providing that coverage in favor of Lender will not be impaired in any
way by any act, omission or default of Borrower or any other person.
In connection with all policies covering assets in which Lender holds
or is offered a security interest for the Loans, Borrower will provide
Lender with such loss payable or other endorsements as Lender may
require.
INSURANCE REPORTS. Furnish to Lender, upon request of Lender, reports on
each existing insurance policy showing such information as Lender may
reasonably request, including without limitation the following: (a) the
name of the insurer; (b) the risks insured; (c) the amount of the policy;
(d) the properties insured; (e) the then current property values on the
basis of which insurance has been obtained, and the manner of determining
those values; and (f) the expiration date of the policy. In addition, upon
request of Lender (however not more often than annually), Borrower will
have an independent appraiser satisfactory to Lender determine, as
applicable, the actual cash value or replacement cost of any Collateral.
The cost of such appraisal shall be paid by Borrower.
GUARANTIES. Prior to disbursement of any Loan proceeds, furnish executed
guaranties of the Loans in favor of Lender, executed by the guarantor named
below, on Lender's forms, and in the amount and under the conditions
spelled cut in those guaranties.
GUARANTOR AMOUNT
--------- ------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ $2,500,000.00
OTHER AGREEMENTS. Comply with all terms and conditions of all other
agreements, whether now or hereafter existing, between Borrower and any
other party and notify Lender immediately in writing of any default in
connection with any other such agreements.
LOAN PROCEEDS. Use all Loan proceeds solely for Borrower's business
operations, unless specifically consented to the contrary by Lender in
writing.
TAXES, CHARGES AND LIENS. Pay and discharge when due all of its
indebtedness and obligations, including without limitation all assessments,
taxes, governmental charges, levies and liens, of every kind and nature,
imposed upon Borrower or its properties, income, or profits, prior to the
date on which penalties would attach, and all lawful claims that, if
unpaid, might become a lien or charge upon any of Borrower's properties,
income, or profits. Provided however, Borrower will not be required to pay
and discharge any such assessment, tax, charge, ▇▇▇▇, ▇▇▇▇ or claim so long
as (a) the legality of the same shall be contested in good faith by
appropriate proceedings, and (b) Borrower shall have established on its
books adequate reserves with respect to such contested assessment, tax,
charge, levy, lien, or claim in accordance with generally accepted
accounting practices. Borrower, upon demand of Lender, will furnish to
Lender evidence of payment of the assessments, taxes, charges, levies,
liens and claims and will authorize the appropriate governmental official
to deliver to Lender at any time a written statement of any assessments,
taxes, charges, levies, liens and claims against Borrower's properties,
income, or profits.
PERFORMANCE. Perform and comply with all terms, conditions, and provisions
set forth in this Agreement and in the Related Documents in a timely
manner, and promptly notify Lender If Borrower learns of the occurrence of
any event which constitutes an Event of Default under this Agreement or
under any of the Related Documents.
OPERATIONS. Maintain executive and management personnel with substantially
the same qualifications and experience as the present executive and
management personnel; conduct its business affairs
6
09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 6
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================================================================================
in a reasonable and prudent manner and in compliance with all applicable
federal, state and municipal laws, ordinances, rules and regulations
respecting its properties, charters, businesses and operations, including
without limitation, compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and
with all minimum funding standards and other requirements of ERISA and
other laws applicable to Borrower's employee benefit plans.
INSPECTION. Permit employees or agents of Lender at any reasonable time to
inspect any and all Collateral for the Loan or Loans and Borrower's other
properties and to examine or audit Borrower's books, accounts, and records
and to make copies and memoranda of Borrower's books, accounts, and
records. If Borrower now or at any time hereafter maintains any records
(including without limitation computer generated records and computer
software programs for the generation of such records) in the possession of
a third party, Borrower, upon request of Lender, shall notify such party to
permit Lender free access to such records at all reasonable times and to
provide Lender with copies of any records it may request, all at Borrower's
expense.
COMPLIANCE CERTIFICATE. Unless waived in writing by Lender, provide Lender
at least annually and at the time of each disbursement of Loan proceeds
with a certificate executed by Borrower's chief financial officer, or other
officer or person acceptable to Lender, certifying that the representations
and warranties set forth in this Agreement are true and correct as of the
date of the certificate and further certifying that, as of the date of the
certificate, no Event of Default exists under this Agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE AND REPORTS. Borrower shall comply in all respects
with all environmental protection federal, state and local laws, statutes,
regulations and ordinances; not cause or permit to exist, as a result of an
intentional or unintentional action or omission on its part or on the part
of any third party, on property owned and/or occupied by Borrower, any
environmental activity where damage may result to the environment, unless
such environmental activity is pursuant to and in compliance with the
conditions of a permit issued by the appropriate federal, state or local
governmental authorities; shall furnish to Lender promptly and in any event
within thirty (30) days after receipt thereof a copy of any notice,
summons, lien, citation, directive, letter or other communication from any
governmental agency or instrumentality concerning any intentional or
unintentional action or omission on Borrower's part in connection with any
environmental activity whether or not there is damage to the environment
and/or other natural resources.
ADDITIONAL ASSURANCES. Make, execute and deliver to Lender such promissory
notes, mortgages, deeds of trust, security agreements, financing
statements, instruments, documents and other agreements as Lender or its
attorneys may reasonably request to evidence and secure the Loans and to
perfect all Security Interests.
NEGATIVE COVENANTS. Borrower covenants and agrees with Lender that while this
Agreement is in effect, Borrower shall not, without the prior written consent of
Lender:
INDEBTEDNESS AND LIENS. (a) Except for trade debt incurred in the normal
course of business and indebtedness to Lender contemplated by this
Agreement, create, incur or assume indebtedness for borrowed money,
including capital leases, (b) except as allowed as a Permitted Lien, sell,
transfer, mortgage, assign, pledge, lease, grant a security interest in, or
encumber any of Borrower's assets, or (c) sell with recourse any of
Borrower's accounts, except to Lender.
CONTINUITY OF OPERATIONS. (a) Engage in any business activities
substantially different than those in which Borrower is presently engaged,
(b) cease operations, liquidate, merge, transfer, acquire or consolidate
with any other entity, change ownership, change its name, dissolve or
transfer or sell Collateral out of the ordinary course of business, (c) pay
any dividends on Borrower's stock (other than dividends payable in its
stock), provided, however that notwithstanding the foregoing, but only so
long as no Event of Default has occurred and is continuing or would result
from the payment of dividends, if Borrower is a "Subchapter S Corporation"
(as defined in the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended), Borrower may
pay cash dividends on its stock to its shareholders from time to time in
amounts necessary to enable the shareholders to pay income taxes and make
estimated income tax payments to satisfy their liabilities under federal
and state law which arise solely from their status as Shareholders of a
Subchapter S Corporation because of their ownership of shares of stock of
Borrower, or (d) purchase or retire any of Borrower's outstanding shares or
alter or amend Borrower's capital structure.
LOANS, ACQUISITIONS AND GUARANTIES. (a) Loan, invest in or advance money or
assets, (b) purchase, create or acquire any interest in any other
enterprise or entity, or (c) incur any obligation as surety or guarantor
other than in the ordinary course of business.
CESSATION OF ADVANCES. If Lender has made any commitment to make any Loan to
Borrower, whether under this Agreement or under any other agreement, Lender
shall have no obligation to make Loan Advances or to disburse Loan proceeds if:
(a) Borrower or any Guarantor is in default under the terms of this Agreement or
any of the Related Documents or any other agreement that Borrower or any
Guarantor has with Lender; (b) Borrower or any Guarantor becomes insolvent,
files a petition in bankruptcy or similar proceedings, or is adjudged a
bankrupt; (c) there occurs a material adverse change in Borrower's financial
condition, in the financial condition of any Guarantor, or in the value of any
Collateral securing any Loan; (d) any Guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise
attempts to limit, modify or revoke such Guarantor's guaranty of the Loan or any
other loan with Lender.
EVENTS OF DEFAULT. Each of the following shall constitute an Event of Default
under this Agreement:
DEFAULT ON INDEBTEDNESS. Failure of Borrower to make any payment when due
on the Loans.
OTHER DEFAULTS. Failure of Borrower or any Grantor to comply with or to
perform when due any other term, obligation, covenant or condition
contained in this Agreement or in any of the Related Documents, or failure
of Borrower to comply with or to perform any other term, obligation,
covenant or condition contained in any other agreement between Lender and
Borrower.
DEFAULT IN FAVOR OF THIRD PARTIES. Should Borrower or any Grantor default
under any loan, extension of credit, security agreement, purchase or sales
agreement, or any other agreement, in favor of any other creditor or person
that may materially affect any of Borrower's property or Borrower's or any
Grantor's ability to repay the Loans or perform their respective
obligations under this Agreement or any of the Related Documents.
FALSE STATEMENTS. Any warranty, representation or statement made or
furnished to Lender by or on behalf of Borrower or any Grantor under this
Agreement or the Related Documents is false or misleading in any material
respect at the time made or furnished, or becomes false or misleading at
any time thereafter.
DEFECTIVE COLLATERALIZATION. This Agreement or any of the Related Documents
ceases to be in full force and effect (including failure of any Security
Agreement to create a valid and perfected Security Interest) at any time
and for any reason.
INSOLVENCY. The dissolution or termination of Borrower's existence as a
going business, the insolvency of Borrower, the appointment of a receiver
for any part of Borrower's property, any assignment for the benefit of
creditors, any type of creditor workout, or the commencement of any
proceeding under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws by or against Borrower.
CREDITOR OR FORFEITURE PROCEEDINGS. Commencement of foreclosure or
forfeiture proceedings, whether by judicial proceeding, self-help,
repossession or any other method, by any creditor of Borrower, any creditor
of any Grantor against any collateral securing the Indebtedness, or by any
governmental agency. This includes a garnishment, attachment, or levy on or
of any of Borrower's deposit accounts with Lender. However, this Event of
Default shall not apply if there is a good faith dispute by Borrower or
Grantor, as the case may be, as to the validity or reasonableness of the
claim which is the basis of the creditor or forfeiture proceeding, and if
Borrower or Grantor gives Lender written notice of the creditor or
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09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 7
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forfeiture proceeding and furnishes reserves or a surety bond for the
creditor or forfeiture proceeding satisfactory to Lender.
EVENTS AFFECTING GUARANTOR. Any of the preceding events occurs with respect
to any Guarantor of any of the Indebtedness or any Guarantor dies or
becomes incompetent, or revokes or disputes the validity of, or liability
under, any Guaranty of the Indebtedness. Lender, at its option, may, but
shall not be required to, permit the Guarantor's estate to assume
unconditionally the obligations arising under the guaranty in a manner
satisfactory to Lender, and, in doing so, cure the Event of Default.
CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP. The failure of ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, or the trustee(s) of the
trust(s) for the benefit of ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ family, or the executor of
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇'▇ estate to own at least 51% of the voting securities of the
Borrower.
ADVERSE CHANGE. A material adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial
condition, or Lender believes the prospect of payment or performance of the
Indebtedness is impaired.
RIGHT TO CURE. If any default other than a Default on Indebtedness, is
curable and if Borrower or Grantor, as the case may be, has not been given
a notice of a similar default within the preceding twelve (12) months, it
may be cured (and no Event of Default will have occurred) if Borrower or
Grantor as the case may be after receiving written notice from Lender
demanding cure of such default: (a) cures the default within fifteen (15)
days or (b) It the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days immediately
initiates steps which Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be
sufficient to cure the default and thereafter continues and completes all
reasonable and necessary steps sufficient to produce compliance as soon as
reasonably practical.
EFFECT OF AN EVENT OF DEFAULT. If any Event of Default shall occur, except where
otherwise provided in this Agreement or the Related Documents, all commitments
and obligations of Lender under this Agreement or the Related Documents or any
other agreement immediately will terminate (including any obligation to make
Loan Advances or disbursements), and, at Lender's option, all Indebtedness
immediately will become due and payable, all without notice of any kind to
Borrower, except that in the case of an Event of Default of the type described
in the "Insolvency" subsection above, such acceleration shall be automatic and
not optional. In addition, Lender shall have all the rights and remedies
provided in the Related Documents or available at law, in equity, or
otherwise. Except as may be prohibited by applicable law, all of Lender's rights
and remedies shall be cumulative and may be exercised singularly or
concurrently. Election by Lender to pursue any remedy shall not exclude pursuit
of any other remedy, and an election to make expenditures or to take action to
perform an obligation of Borrower or of any Grantor shall not affect Lender's
right to declare a default and to exercise its rights and remedies.
MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS. The following miscellaneous provisions are a part of
this Agreement:
AMENDMENTS. This Agreement, together with any Related Documents,
constitutes the entire understanding and agreement of the parties as to the
matters set forth in this Agreement. No alteration of or amendment to this
Agreement shall be effective unless given in writing and signed by the
party or parties sought to be charged or bound by the alteration or
amendment.
APPLICABLE LAW. THIS AGREEMENT HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO LENDER AND ACCEPTED BY
LENDER IN THE STATE OF OHIO. IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT, BORROWER AGREES UPON
LENDER'S REQUEST TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE COURTS OF SUMMIT
COUNTY, THE STATE OF OHIO. THIS AGREEMERRT SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
CAPTION HEADINGS. Caption headings in this Agreement are for convenience
purposes only and are not to be used to interpret or define the provisions
of this Agreement.
MULTIPLE PARTIES; CORPORATE AUTHORITY. All obligations of Borrower under
this Agreement shall be joint and several, and all references to Borrower
shall mean each and every Borrower. This means that each of the persons
signing below is responsible for ALL obligations in this Agreement.
CONSENT TO LOAN PARTICIPATION. Borrower agrees and consents to Lender's
sale or transfer, whether now or later, of one or more participation
interests in the Loans to one or more purchasers, whether related or
unrelated to Lender. Lender may provide, without any limitation whatsoever,
to any one or more purchasers, or potential purchasers, any information or
knowledge Lender may have about Borrower or about any other matter relating
to the Loan, and Borrower hereby waives any rights to privacy it may have
with respect to such matters. Borrower additionally waives any and all
notices of sale of participation interests, as well as all notices of any
repurchase of such participation interests. Borrower also agrees that the
purchasers of any such participation interests will be considered as the
absolute owners of such interests in the Loans and will have all the rights
granted under the participation agreement or agreements governing the sale
of such participation interests. Borrower further waives all rights of
offset or counterclaim that it may have now or later against Lender or
against any purchaser of such a participation interest and unconditionally
agrees that either Lender or such purchaser may enforce Borrower's
obligation under the Loans irrespective of the failure or insolvency of any
holder of any interest in the Loans. Borrower further agrees that the
purchaser of any such participation interests may enforce its interests
irrespective of any personal claims or defenses that Borrower may have
against Lender.
COSTS AND EXPENSES. Borrower agrees to pay upon demand all of Lender's
expenses, including without limitation attorneys' fees, incurred in
connection with the preparation, execution, enforcement, modification and
collection of this Agreement or in connection with the Loans made pursuant
to this Agreement. Lender may pay someone else to help collect the Loans
and to enforce this Agreement, and Borrower will pay that amount. This
includes, subject to any limits under applicable law, Lender's attorneys'
fees and Lender's legal expenses, whether or not there is a lawsuit,
including attorneys' fees for bankruptcy proceedings (including efforts to
modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction), appeals, and any
anticipated post-judgment collection services. Borrower also will pay any
court costs, in addition to all other sums provided by law.
NOTICES. All notices required to be given under this Agreement shall be
given in writing, may be sent by telefacsimile, and shall be effective when
actually delivered or when deposited with a nationally recognized overnight
courier or deposited in the United States mail, first class, postage
prepaid, addressed to the party to whom the notice is to be given at the
address shown above. Any party may change its address for notices under
this Agreement by giving formal written notice to the other parties,
specifying that the purpose of the notice is to change the party's address.
To the extent permitted by applicable law, if there is more than one
Borrower, notice to any Borrower will constitute notice to all Borrowers.
For notice purposes, Borrower will keep Lender informed at all times of
Borrower's current address(es).
SEVERABILITY. If a court of competent jurisdiction finds any provision of
this Agreement to be invalid or unenforceable as to any person or
circumstance, such finding shall not render that provision invalid or
unenforceable as to any other persons or circumstances. If feasible, any
such offending provision shall be deemed to be modified to be within the
limits of enforceability or validity; however, if the offending provision
cannot be so modified, it shall be stricken and all other provisions of
this Agreement in all other respects shall remain valid and enforceable.
SUBSIDIARIES AND AFFILIATES OF BORROWER. To the extent the context of any
provisions of this Agreement makes it appropriate, including without
limitation any representation, warranty or covenant, the word "Borrower" as
used herein shall include all subsidiaries and affiliates of Borrower.
Notwithstanding the foregoing however, under no circumstances shall this
Agreement be construed to require Lender to make any Loan or other
financial accommodation to any subsidiary or affiliate of Borrower.
SUCCESSORS AND ASSIGNS. All covenants and agreements contained by or on
behalf of Borrower shall bind its successors and assigns and shall inure to
the benefit of Lender, its successors and assigns. Borrower shall not,
however, have the right to assign its rights under this Agreement or any
interest therein, without the prior written consent of Lender.
SURVIVAL. All warranties, representations, and covenants made by Borrower
in this Agreement or in any certificate or other instrument delivered by
8
09-30-1997 LOAN AGREEMENT PAGE 8
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Borrower to Lender under this Agreement shall be considered to have been
relied upon by Lender and will survive the making of the Loan and delivery
to Lender of the Related Documents, regardless of any investigation made by
Lender or on Lender's behalf.
TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE. Time is of the essence in the performance of this
Agreement.
WAIVER. Lender shall not be deemed to have waived any rights under this
Agreement unless such waiver is given in writing and signed by Lender. No
delay or omission on the part of Lender in exercising any right shall
operate as a waiver of such right or any other right. A waiver by Lender of
a provision of this Agreement shall not prejudice or constitute a waiver
of Lender's right otherwise to demand strict compliance with that provision
or any other provision of this Agreement. No prior waiver by Lender, nor
any course of dealing between Lender and Borrower, or between Lender and
any Grantor, shall constitute a waiver of any of Lender's rights or of any
obligations of Borrower or of any Grantor as to any future transactions.
Whenever the consent of Lender is required under this Agreement, the
granting of such consent by Lender in any instance shall not constitute
continuing consent in subsequent instances where such consent is required,
and in all cases such consent may be granted or withheld in the sole
discretion of Lender.
BORROWER ACKNOWLEDGES HAVING READ ALL THE PROVISIONS OF THIS LOAN AGREEMENT, AND
BORROWER AGREES TO ITS TERMS. THIS AGREEMENT IS DATED AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 1997.
BORROWER:
RVM INDUSTRIES INC; RAVENS, INC.; SIGNS AND BLANKS INC.; ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC.
BY:
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CHAIRMAN, CEO, TREASURER OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.
BY:
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, PRESIDENT, COO OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.
BY:
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CHAIRMAN, CEO TREASURER OF RAVENS, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RAVENS, INC.
BY:
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CEO OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.
BY:
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, TREASURER OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, VICE PRESIDENT OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.
BY:
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CEO OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC.
BY:
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, TREASURER OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
-----------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, VICE PRESIDENT OF ALBEX ALUMINUM INC.
LENDER:
FIRSTMERIT BANK, N.A.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇
-----------------------------------------------------
AUTHORIZED OFFICER
================================================================================
9
PROMISSORY NOTE
================================================================================================================
PRINCIPAL LOAN DATE MATURITY LOAN NO CALL COILATERAI ACCOUNT OFFICER INITIALS
$15,000,000.00 09-30-1997 08-31-1999 UCC JVC
================================================================================================================
References in the shaded area are for Lender's use only and do not limit the
applicability of this document to any particular loan or item.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Borrower: RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Lender: FirstMerit Bank, N.A.
Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc.; Asset Based Lending
▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇.; ▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇, ▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇
===========================================================================================
PRINCIPAL AMOUNT: $15,000,000.00 INITIAL RATE: 8.250% DATE OF NOTE: SEPTEMBER 30, 1997
PROMISE TO PAY. RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.;
Albex Aluminum, Inc. ("Borrower") promises to pay to FirstMerit Bank, N.A.
("Lender"), or order, in lawful money of the United States of America, the
principal amount of Fifteen Million & 00/100 Dollars ($15,000,000.00) or so much
as may be outstanding, together with interest on the unpaid outstanding
principal balance of each advance. Interest shall be calculated from the date of
each advance until repayment of each advance.
PAYMENT. Borrower will pay this loan in one payment of all outstanding principal
plus all accrued unpaid interest on August 31, 1999. In addition, Borrower wIll
pay regular monthly payments of accrued unpaid interest beginning October
31,1997, and all subsequent Interest payments are due on the same day of each
month after that. Interest on this Note is computed on a 365/360 simple interest
basis; that is, by applying the ratio of the annual interest rate over a year of
380 days, multiplied by the outstanding principal balance, multiplied by the
actual number of days the principal balance is outstanding. Borrower will pay
Lender at Lender's address shown above or at such other place as Lender may
designate in writing. Unless otherwise agreed or required by applicable law,
payments will be applied first to accrued unpaid interest, then to principal,
and any remaining amount to any unpaid collection costs and late charges.
VARIABLE INTEREST RATE. The interest rate on this Note is subject to change from
time to time based on changes in an index which is Lender's Prime Rate (the
"Index"). This is the rate Lender charges, or would charge, on 90-day unsecured
loans to the most creditworthy corporate customers. This rate may or may not be
the lowest rate available from Lender at any given time. Lender will tell
Borrower the current Index rate upon Borrower's request. Borrower understands
that Lender may make loans based on other rates as well. The interest rate
change will not occur more often than each day as prime changes. THE INDEX
CURRENTLY IS 8.500% PER ANNUM. THE INTEREST RATE TO BE APPLIED TO THE UNPAID
PRINCIPAL BALANCE OF THIS NOTE WILL BE AT A RATE OF 0.250 PERCENTAGE POINTS
UNDER THE INDEX, RESULTING IN AN INITIAL RATE OF 8.250% PER ANNUM. NOTICE:
Under no circumstances will the interest rate on this Note be more than the
maximum rate allowed by applicable law.
PREPAYMENT. Borrower may pay without penalty all or a portion of the amount owed
earlier than it is due. Early payments will not, unless agreed to by Lender in
writing, relieve Borrower of Borrower's obligation to continue to make payments
of accrued unpaid interest Rather, they will reduce the principal balance due.
LATE CHARGE. If a payment is 10 DAYS OR MORE LATE, Borrower will be charged
5.00% OF THE UNPAID PORTION OF THE REGULARLY SCHEDULED PAYMENT OR $35.00,
WHICHEVER IS GREATER.
DEFAULT. Borrower will be in default if any of the following happens: (a)
Borrower falls to make any payment when due. (b) Borrower breaks any promise
Borrower has made to Lender, or Borrower fails to comply with or to perform when
due any other term, obligation, covenant, or condition contained in this Note or
any agreement related to this Note, or in any other agreement or loan Borrower
has with Lender. (c) Borrower defaults under any loan, extension of credit,
security agreement, purchase or sales agreement, or any other agreement, in
favor of any other creditor or person that may materially affect any of
Borrower's property or Borrower's ability to repay this Note or perform
Borrower's obligations under this Note or any of the Related Documents. (d) Any
representation or statement made or furnished to Lender by Borrower or on
Borrowers behalf is false or misleading in any material respect either now or at
the time made or furnished. (e) Borrower becomes insolvent, a receiver is
appointed for any part of Borrower's property, Borrower makes an assignment for
the benefit of creditors, or any proceeding is commenced either by Borrower or
against Borrower under any bankruptcy or insolvency laws. (f) Any creditor tries
to take any of Borrower's property on or in which Lender has a lien or security
interest. This includes a garnishment of any of Borrower's accounts with Lender.
(g) Any guarantor dies or any of the other events described in this default
section occurs with respect to any guarantor of this Note. (h) A material
adverse change occurs in Borrower's financial condition or Lender believes the
prospect of payment or performance of the Indebtedness is impaired.
If any default, other than a default in payment, is curable and if Borrower has
not been given a notice of a breach of the same provision of this Note within
the preceding twelve (12) months, it may be cured (and no event of default will
have occurred) if Borrower, after receiving written notice from Lender demanding
cure of such default: (a) cures the default within fifteen (15) days; or (b) if
the cure requires more than fifteen (15) days, immediately initiates steps which
Lender deems in Lender's sole discretion to be sufficient to cure the default
and thereafter continues and completes all reasonable and necessary steps
sufficient to produce compliance as soon as reasonably practical.
LENDER'S RIGHTS. Upon default, Lender may declare the entire unpaid principal
balance on this Note and all accrued unpaid interest immediately due, without
notice, and then Borrower will pay that amount. Lender may hire or pay someone
else to help collect this Note if Borrower does not pay. Borrower also will pay
Lender that amount. This includes, subject to any limits under applicable law,
Lender's attorneys' lees and Lender's legal expenses whether or not there is a
lawsuit, including attorneys' fees and legal expenses for bankruptcy proceedings
(including efforts to modify or vacate any automatic stay or injunction),
appeals, and any anticipated post-judgment collection services. If not
prohibited by applicable law, Borrower also will pay any court costs, in
addition to all other sums provided by law. THIS NOTE HAS BEEN DELIVERED TO
LENDER AND ACCEPTED BY LENDER IN THE STATE OF OHIO. IF THERE IS A LAWSUIT,
BORROWER AGREES UPON LENDER'S REQUEST TO SUBMIT TO THE JURISDICTION OF THE
COURTS OF SUMMIT COUNTY, THE STATE OF OHIO. THIS NOTE SHALL BE GOVERNED BY AND
CONSTRUED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF OHIO.
CONFESSION OF JUDGMENT. Borrower hereby irrevocably authorizes and empowers any
attorney-at-law, including an attorney hired by Lender, to appear in any court
of record and to confess judgment against Borrower for the unpaid amount of this
Note as evidenced by an affidavit signed by an officer of Lender setting forth
the amount then due, plus attorneys' fees as provided in this Note, plus costs
of suit, and to release all errors, and waive all rights of appeal. If a copy of
this Note, verified by an affidavit, shall have been filed in the proceeding, it
will not be necessary to file the original as a warrant of attorney. Borrower
waives the right to any stay of execution and the benefit of all exemption laws
now or hereafter in effect. No single exercise of the foregoing warrant and
power to confess judgment will be deemed to exhaust the power, whether or not
any such exercise shall be held by any court to be invalid, voidable, or void;
but the power will continue undiminished and may be exercised from time to time
as Lender may elect until all amounts owing on this Note have been paid in full.
Borrower waives any conflict of interest that an attorney hired by Lender may
have in acting on behalf of Borrower in confessing judgment against Borrower
while such attorney is retained by Lender. Borrower expressly consents to such
attorney acting for Borrower in confessing judgment.
DISHONORED ITEM FEE. Borrower will pay a fee to Lender of $22.00 if Borrower
makes a payment on Borrower's loan and the check or preauthorized charge with
which Borrower pays is later dishonored.
LINE OF CREDIT. This Note evidences a revolving line of credit. Advances under
this Note may be requested orally by Borrower or by an authorized person. Lender
may, but need not, require that all oral requests be confirmed in writing. All
communications, instructions, or directions by telephone or
10
09-30-1997 PROMISSORY NOTE PAGE 2
LOAN NO (Continued)
otherwise to Lender are to be directed to Lender's office shown above. The
following party or parties are authorized to request advances under the line of
credit until Lender receives from Borrower at Lender's address shown above
written notice of revocation of their authority: ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,; ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇.
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇,; ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇; THE FOLLOWING PARTY OR PARTIES ARE AUTHORIZED TO
REQUEST ADVANCES ON THE LINE OF CREDIT ON BEHALF OF THE COMPANY SPECIFICALLY
LISTED NEXT TO THEIR NAMES UNTIL LENDER RECEIVES FROM BORROWER, AT LENDER'S
ADDRESS SHOWN ABOVE, WRITTEN NOTICE OF REVOCATION OF THEIR AUTHORITY; ▇▇▇▇▇
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, (ALL); ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇, (ALL); ▇▇▇▇▇ MCDEVLIT, (ALL); ▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, (SIGNS
AND BLANKS, INC.); ▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇, (ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC.); AND ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇,
(RAVENS, INC.). Borrower agrees to be liable for all sums either: (a) advanced
in accordance with the instructions of an authorized person or (b) credited to
any of Borrower's accounts with Lender. The unpaid principal balance owing on
this Note at any time may be evidenced by endorsements on this Note or by
Lender's internal records, including daily computer print-outs. Lender will have
no obligation to advance funds under this Note if: (a) Borrower or any guarantor
is in default under the terms of this Note or any agreement that Borrower or any
guarantor has with Lender, including any agreement made in connection with the
signing of this Note; (b) Borrower or any guarantor ceases doing business or is
insolvent; (c) any guarantor seeks, claims or otherwise attempts to limit,
modify or revoke such guarantor's guarantee of this Note or any other loan with
Lender; (d) Borrower has applied funds provided pursuant to this Note for
purposes other than those authorized by Lender.
FEE PROVISION. Upon receipt of billing from Lender, I agree to pay a loan fee of
$n/a and a document preparation fee of $n/a.
GENERAL PROVISIONS. If any part of this Note cannot be enforced, this fact will
not affect the rest of the Note. In particular, this section means (among other
things) that Borrower does not agree or intend to pay, and Lender does not agree
or intend to contract for, charge, collect, take, reserve or receive
(collectively referred to herein as "charge or collect"), any amount in the
nature of interest or in the nature of a fee for this loan, which would in any
way or event (including demand, prepayment, or acceleration) cause Lender to
charge or collect more for this loan than the maximum Lender would be permitted
to charge or collect by federal law or the law of the State of Ohio (as
applicable). Any such excess interest or unauthorized fee shall, instead of
anything stated to the contrary, be applied first to reduce the principal
balance of this loan, and when the principal has been paid in full, be refunded
to Borrower. Lender may delay or forgo enforcing any of its rights or remedies
under this Note without losing them. Borrower and any other person who signs,
guarantees or endorses this Note, to the extent allowed by law, waive
presentment, demand for payment, protest and notice of dishonor. Upon any change
in the terms of this Note, and unless otherwise expressly stated in ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, no
party who signs this Note, whether as maker, guarantor, accommodation maker or
endorser, shall be released from liability. All such parties agree that Lender
may renew or extend (repeatedly and for any length of time) this loan, or
release any party or guarantor or collateral; or impair, fall to realize upon or
perfect Lender's security interest in the collateral; and take any other action
deemed necessary by Lender without the consent of or notice to anyone. All such
parties also agree that Lender may modify this loan without the consent of or
notice to anyone other than the party with whom the modification is made.
11
09-30-1997 PROMISSORY NOTE PAGE 3
LOAN NO (CONTINUED)
===============================================================================
PRIOR TO SIGNING THIS NOTE, BORROWER READ AND UNDERSTOOD ALL THE PROVISIONS OF
THIS NOTE, INCLUDING THE VARIABLE INTEREST RATE PROVISIONS. BORROWER AGREES
TO THE TERMS OF THE NOTE AND ACKNOWLEDGES RECEIPT OF A COMPLETED COPY OF THE
NOTE.
NOTICE: FOR THIS NOTICE "YOU" MEANS THE BORROWER AND "HIS" MEANS LENDER.
WARNING - BY SIGNING THIS PAPER YOU GIVE UP YOUR RIGHT TO NOTICE AND COURT
TRIAL. IF YOU DO NOT PAY ON TIME A COURT JUDGMENT MAY BE TAKEN AGAINST YOU
WITHOUT YOUR PRIOR KNOWLEDGE AND THE POWERS OF A COURT CAN BE USED TO COLLECT
FROM YOU REGARDLESS OF ANY CLAIMS YOU MAY HAVE AGAINST THE CREDITOR WHETHER FOR
RETURNED GOODS, FAULTY GOODS, FAILURE ON HIS PART TO COMPLY WITH THE AGREEMENT,
OR ANY OTHER CAUSE.
BORROWER:
RVM Industries, Inc.; Ravens, Inc.; Signs and Blanks, Inc.; Albex Aluminum, Inc.
BY:
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CHAIRMAN, CEO, TREASURER OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.
BY:
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, PRESIDENT, COO OF RVM INDUSTRIES, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RVM INDUSTRIES INC.
BY:
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CHAIRMAN, CEO, TREASURER OF RAVENS, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, VICE PRESIDENT, CFO OF RAVENS, INC.
BY:
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CEO OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.
BY:
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, TREASURER OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, VICE PRESIDENT OF SIGNS AND BLANKS, INC.
BY:
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇ ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, CEO OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC.
BY:
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇▇▇, TREASURER OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC.
BY: /s/ ▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇
--------------------------------------------------------------
▇▇▇▇ ▇. ▇▇▇▇▇, VICE PRESIDENT OF ALBEX ALUMINUM, INC.
===============================================================================